Crocs and Hollister have removed campaign imagery featuring the singer known as D4vd after Los Angeles police found a decomposing body in a Tesla registered to the artist, the companies and law enforcement said.
The two brands pulled promotional images and social posts that showed the 19-year-old, born David Anthony Burke, as the face of their recently launched “Dream Drop” collaboration. In a joint statement to Footwear News, the companies said they were "aware of this developing story" and had "removed campaign content featuring D4vd while the investigation continues." Product listings from the collection remain available online with Burke’s likeness removed.
LAPD officers were called about 12:30 p.m. Monday to an impound lot on the 1000 block of North Mansfield Avenue after employees reported a foul odor coming from the electric car, police said. Investigators found human remains sealed inside a bag in the trunk of the vehicle; the body was badly decomposed, authorities added. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct an autopsy.
Police said the Tesla had been impounded for several days before the discovery. The vehicle is registered in Texas to David Anthony Burke. Detectives have not publicly linked Burke to foul play and no arrests have been reported. The LAPD said the investigation is active and further details will be released pending the coroner’s findings.
Authorities described the victim as a woman roughly 5-foot-2 with wavy black hair, wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow bracelet and stud earrings, and bearing a tattoo that read "Shhhh." Investigators are working to identify the deceased and determine the cause of death.
Burke rose to prominence after viral hits including "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide," and has amassed billions of streams on platforms such as Spotify. His sophomore album, Withered, was released in April, and a deluxe edition was scheduled for later this month. The artist has toured extensively, opening for SZA on her arena tour and performing at events including Valentino’s men’s fashion show in Milan. His official website continues to list upcoming dates in Europe, including shows in Berlin, Paris and London.
The "Dream Drop" marketing push, unveiled Sept. 3, was touted by the brands as the first collaboration between Crocs and Hollister and leaned on Burke’s influence across music and youth culture. Marketing materials showed the musician modeling pastel-coordinated Crocs clogs and Hollister apparel. Industry consultants said removing a partner tied to an active homicide investigation is a common risk-management decision to shield brand reputation and customer relations.
The musician’s crossover visibility extended to gaming and international pop: this summer, Fortnite named his single "Locked & Loaded" as its Global Championship anthem, and he released collaborations with K-pop artist Hyunjin of Stray Kids and Australian indie singer Hannah Bahng. Concert reviews from outlets such as Soundcheck SF praised the immersive visuals and emotional arc of his recent shows. Ticket prices for the current Withered 2025 World Tour ranged from about $50 to $350, with sellouts reported in Los Angeles, Denver and New York.
Neither Burke nor his representatives have publicly commented on the police probe or the removal from the campaign. His record label has not issued a statement. Crocs and Hollister said their decision to remove campaign imagery was made "with respect to the current situation" and would remain in place while police continue their work.
The LAPD reiterated that the investigation remains open. Officials said additional information will be provided as the medical examiner’s results and investigative findings become available.